River Kwai and Erawan Falls | Bangkok Beyond
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Bangkok Half day Private tour Family friendly English speaking licensed tour guide Hotel pick up & drop off
Bangkok Half day Private tour Family friendly English speaking licensed tour guide Hotel pick up & drop off

Travel from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi and experience a day of deep reflection and natural wonder, from the River Kwai to the serene cascades of Erawan Falls.

Sample Itinerary

We can customize the itinerary to your needs. Let us know your preferences.

07:00 Pick up at your hotel. Drive to Kanchanaburi City
09:30 Arrive at Kanchanaburi War Cemetery
10:00 Visit and walk the famous River Kwai Bridge
10:30 Back to van ready for Erawan waterfall
12:00 Thai-style set lunch at local restaurant (only water is included for your drink)
13:00 Back to van directly to Erawan Falls
14:00 Arrive at Erawan Falls
16:00 Take a shower (bring your own towel)
16:30 Departure to Bangkok
20:00 Drop off to your hotel

Author Photo
Perry
Poland

“Spent two days with Bangkok Beyond: 1. Ayutthaya with a guide 2. Bridge over River Kwai & Erawan Waterfalls Both days, Jo was my driver and he did amazing. He was calm and did not stress about the crazy Bangkok traffic while not being too slow either. He was nice and helpful and I enjoyed spending my days with him. For the first day, Perry, my tour guide, joined. She was fantastic. Her knowledge of Ayutthaya and Bangkok were great. She is a very lovely person and I enjoyed talking with her and spending my day very much. I can recommend Bangkok Beyond and would always book again. Thanks so much! ”

★★★★★

Experience the hidden canals of Bangkok with a private guide and boat in just 4.5 hours

Take a private motorized longtail boat along the River of Kings and into Bangkok’s secret canals (khlongs). Witness riverside life up close: children waving from docks, saffron-clad monks drifting by, and reflections of temples on the water. Step ashore to admire Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, and close with a walk through Jim Thompson’s teak home and museum. In this half day tour you will get an eye-opening experience and memories you will carry home.

Sample Itinerary

We can customize the itinerary to your needs. Let us know your preferences.

08:00 Pick up at your hotel
08:30 Board the boat and set off down the Chao Phraya with a stop at Wat Arun
10:30 Arrive at Jim Thompson House, explore and enjoy
12:30 Drop off at your hotel or a destination of your choice in downtown

Author Photo
Maurice and Liz
United States

“My husband arranged a last minute day tour with Bangkok Beyond during our recent visit to the city. We began with a canal tour via longtail boat, then a tour of Wat Arun, and finally a visit to Jim Thompson house. Our guide Joy met us at our riverside hotel and we walked to a small pier and hopped on our boat. It was very interesting to see a more traditional side of Bangkok. After seeing Wat Arun from across the river for several days, we loved being able to see it up close in all its broken porcelain splendor. What a gorgeous structure! Finally, it was wonderful to finally get to Jim Thompson house - missed on our first visit 30 years ago. We can't thank Cherry and Joy enough for arranging this lovely tour last minute and for providing such a wonderful cultural experience! We absolutely loved each part of the tour - it couldn't have been better!! ”

★★★★★

Travelers often come for the beauty of Erawan Falls but leave deeply moved by the full story this day tells. This full-day private tour brings together two sides of Thailand that few get to experience in one journey: the serenity of nature and the enduring echoes of history.

Your guide will begin the day in Kanchanaburi, where the River Kwai Bridge stretches quietly over the water. It’s a striking sight, not just for its design but for the emotion it carries. At the nearby War Cemetery, rows of white stones tell silent stories of sacrifice, while the guide provides gentle context that many guests find unforgettable.

A scenic drive leads you to the Tham Krasae Bridge Railway Station, where you can walk along the same tracks built under unimaginably harsh conditions. The views from this cliffside stretch are breathtaking, but knowing what it took to create them adds powerful depth to the experience.

Then, the tone of the day softens. After a riverside lunch, you’ll continue into Erawan National Park, where the seven-tiered waterfall invites guests to hike, swim, or simply pause. Whether you’re dipping your feet into the turquoise pools or watching monkeys play in the trees, many visitors describe this part of the day as restorative — a quiet moment to balance the reflection of the morning.

It’s a day that weaves together emotion, beauty, and history — and leaves a lasting impression long after the tour ends.

The Beautiful Erawan Falls, Where We Swam In Several Of The Pools. (The Fish Nibble You!)

Your journey begins on the legendary Chao Phraya River, known as the River of Kings. From the deck of your private motorized longtail boat, you’ll slip away from Bangkok’s fast-paced traffic and into a quieter, more intimate world. For about one hour, the hum of the engine becomes the soundtrack as you drift past wooden stilt houses, neighborhood temples, and locals going about their daily routines. Guests often say this part of the tour feels like stepping into a living postcard, one where time moves slower and every view is framed by water.

As the canals (khlongs) open back into the main river, the breathtaking Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) comes into view. Rising high above the water, its porcelain-covered towers glitter in the sunlight and glow softly in the evening. Many travelers describe standing at its base as both humbling and inspiring a reminder of the artistry and devotion that shaped Bangkok’s spiritual heritage. Whether you capture the temple at dawn, midday, or dusk, the experience often leaves guests saying they felt more connected to the city’s soul than any guidebook could convey.

The final stop takes you to the Jim Thompson House and Museum, a collection of teakwood homes filled with rare art, antiques, and stories of one man’s passion for Thai silk. Walking through its shaded gardens and intricate rooms, travelers often remark on the serenity and beauty of the space. For many, this visit ties together the contrasts of Bangkok: bustling canals, sacred temples, and refined design. By the end of the 4.5-hour tour, you’ll carry not just photos but a deeper, more emotional memory of Bangkok, one that lingers long after you’ve left the river.

Inclusions
  • Private long-tail boat ride (about 1 hour)
  • Entrance to Wat Arun and The Jim Thompson House
  • Bottled drinking water
  • Licensed English speaking tour guide
  • Private transport by air-conditioned vehicle
  • Hotel pick up & drop off

Cancellation Policy

  • Full refund for the deposit if you email us up to 48 hours before the trip (except December, Chinese New Year and Songkran)
Tour Highlights
  • Cruise Bangkok’s canals (khlongs) for one hour on a private motorized longtail boat
  • Capture unforgettable photos at Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn
  • Step inside the Jim Thompson House, rich with silk and art history
  • Escape city noise and discover a calmer, more authentic side of Bangkok
Inclusions
  • Entry fees to all the attractions
  • Thai-style lunch
  • Bottled drinking water
  • Licensed English speaking tour guide
  • Private transport by air-conditioned vehicle
  • Hotel pick up & drop off

Cancellation Policy

  • Full refund for the deposit if you email us up to 48 hours before the trip (except December, Chinese New Year and Songkran)
Tour Highlights
  • See the iconic River Kwai Bridge and learn about WWII history
  • Dine riverside with a traditional Thai lunch
  • Trek forest trails leading to the magical Erawan Waterfalls
  • Escape Bangkok and reconnect with nature

Price per pax

Adult

Children - Under 120 cm

1

7,950

7,950

2

4,550

4,250

3

3,250

3,050

4

2,950

2,750

5

2,750

2,550

6

2,550

2,350

7

2,250

2,050

8

1,950

1,750

9

1,750

1,550

10

1,550

1,350

Price per pax

Adult

Children
(under 120 cm in height)

1

6,250

6,250

2

3,550

2,450

3

3,250

2,250

4

2,950

2,050

5

2,750

1,950

6

2,550

1,750

7

2,250

1,550

8

1,950

1,350

9

1,750

1,250

10

1,550

1,050

Awards & Recognition

Proudly recognized by Tripadvisor and leading travel media for our excellent service and guest experiences.

Awards & Recognition

Proudly recognized by Tripadvisor and leading travel media for our excellent service and guest experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this tour?

This is a full day tour, around 13 hours. Pick up is at 07:00 and drop off is usually around 20:00 depending on traffic.

Is swimming allowed at Erawan Falls?

Yes, you can swim in the natural pools. The water is clear, and small fish may nibble your feet. Please bring a towel and a change of clothes.

How difficult is the walk to the waterfalls?

Erawan Falls has 7 levels. The first 2–3 levels are easy to reach. Higher levels require more walking on natural paths. You can choose how far you want to go.

What should I bring for the tour?

We recommend:

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Swimwear and towel

  • Sunscreen and insect repellent

  • Water bottle

  • Camera or phone for photos

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I start in the afternoon?

We can start in the afternoon, but it may be risky due to high tide. The ideal time is in the morning when the water is calm, the weather is cooler during the hot season, and there’s less chance of rain during the rainy season. The tour should start no later than 10:30 AM.

What if it rains?

In case of heavy rain, you will have the option to reschedule or cancel, depending on the circumstances.

Is this tour suitable for kids?

Yes, the canal tour is suitable for kids.

How much walking is involved?

There isn’t much walking, as we will be sitting in the boat for about an hour. The only walking will be at Jim Thompson House, but it’s not much.

More Photos from Bangkok Canal Tour

More Photos from River Kwai Day Tour & Erawan Falls

Picture of our Toyota Commuter with our driver Tony

Opening Hours

  • Weekdays 09:00 – 18:00
  • Saturdays 10:00 – 16:00
  • Sundays     Closed

Business Address

There and Back Again Co., Ltd.,
29/62 Moo 13, The Connect 6 Village, Bang Phli Yai,
Bang Phli Samut Prakan 10540, Thailand

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